Police: Man attempted to kidnap young girl in Irving Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said a man tried to lure an 11-year-old girl to his vehicle Friday morning in the city's Irving Park neighborhood.

Police said at approximately 8 a.m. the girl was walking in the 4100-block of North Richmond Street when a man pulled up alongside her in a full-sized van and beckoned for her to come closer. Fearing for her safety, she ran away and alerted the authorities, police said.

Police described the man as a while male wearing a white tank top, approximately 20 to 30 years old, with sort light hair, a tattoo of a cross on his forehead, and a tattoo sleeve on his left arm. He was driving a burgundy or dark red colored full sized van with rust and a dent on the driver's side.

Police are reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings and walk in pairs if possible, and especially not to talk to strangers or approach strange vehicles. Police encourage residents to call 911 to report any suspicious person or activity.